Monday, April 19, 2010

Product Review - "Real Wood" Paper

Have you ever seen a new product, and you really mean to check it out, but never get around to it? That's how I was with this awesome "Real Wood" paper by Creative Imaginations. I am totally excited to announce that Our Daily Bread designs now carries the "Real Wood" in their store!!!! The lighter shade shown below is Birch and the darker is Cherry. Both colors are available in 8/12" x 11" or 12" x 12" sheets. Each sheet is unique with its own wood grain markings.

"What would I do with wood paper?" you ask? You can stamp on it, punch it, die-cut it, emboss it, paper pierce it, stencil it, crimp it, paint it, "Glimmerize" it with Glimmer Mist, and much more!! Each sheet has a thin paper backing which keeps the wood grain from cracking apart.

HELPFUL HINTS:1. When die-cutting or punching with the "Real Wood" paper, you may end up with a few rough edges depending on the direction of the wood grain.....I used a sanding block very lightly on the edges with great results.2. When cutting the "Real Wood" paper in your paper cutter, you should end up with a pretty straight cut as long as your blade is sharp. Cutting with scissors, especially on a curve takes a little patience. I had much better results using an exacto knife on the curves....very little splintering this way. Once again, if needed, break out the sanding block for a finished look.3. When storing your "Real Wood" paper, I suggest keeping it in its clear packaging envelope to minimize curling. It is normal for it to curl.....don't worry, it doesn't lessen its performance.4. When using the "Real Wood" paper on your projects, definitely use a permanent adhesive, whether it be Scor-Tape, Zots Glue Dots, or a good permanent crafting glue. This will prevent any curling or warping over time.

The close-up view shows the scalloped edge which was sponged after being cut with an exacto knife. The wood paper is just as easy to stencil and pierce as regular cardstock. Check out the butterfly...it was punched from the Thin Cherry "Real Wood" paper and sprayed with Glimmer Mist also!

My next project was so fun and easy to make, using the Thin Birch "Real Wood" paper along with the Spellbinders Brooch set. I cut out two identical pieces, for front and back, sprayed them both with Pearl Glimmer Mist, then once they were dry stenciled them with Eggplant. (Trial and error tip: unless you are using a permanent ink, spray the Glimmer Mist first before stenciling....my first try was ruined because the ink bled into the wood grain once I sprayed the Glimmer.) Before gluing the front and back together, I tied a cross on gold cord and glued it in between the two layers. This will look great hanging from my rear view mirror.....or will it go on my bulletin board? Hmmm....

For yet another sample with the "Real Wood" paper, check out Fran's awesome card using the Spellbinders Cross CollectionHERE.

So......what are you waiting for?! Head over to the ODBD store to pick up your "Real Wood" paper now! All of the Creative Imaginations products in the ODBD store are the Super Special Sale Item this week.....20% off until Saturday, April 24 at midnight EST. I can't wait to see where your "creative imagination" takes you!!!